Rotary engine.



J. E. SMITH.

ROTARY ENGINE.

APPLICATION HLED MAY I. 1913.

2 SHEETSSHEET I.

Patent-ed Nov. 23, 1915.

J. E. SMBTH.

ROTARY ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 1. ms.

Patented Nov. 23, 1915.

2, SHEETSSH EET 2.

some? ENGINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 1, 1913. Serial No. 764,975.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, 'JoHN ELLSWORT SMITH, a citizen of'thexUnitedStates, residing at No. 65 South Valley street, in the city of KansasCity, in the county of Wyandotte and State of Kansas, have invented anew and Improved Rotary Engine, of which the following is intende to bea complete and exact description.

This invention provides a simple and efficient mechanism for powerpurposes, its structure providing a continuous impulse when either afuel or non-explosive medium is used.

It also comprehends a mechanism to which power may be applied for thepurpose of compressing air or pumping water. I now desire to considerthe use of this mechanism for power purposes.

Referring to the drawing illustrating this invention, the parts of itsmechanism and the novel features in the structure of each part are fullyidentified, similar characters of reference indicating similar parts.The stationary use of this engine is not featured-V; hence no base isillustrated.

.Figurel shows a cross section through the middle of this engine. InFig. 2 a lon gitudinal section on the line 2+2, Fig. 1, is shown, thedirection of the arrows indieating the part shown. Fig. 3 illustratesthe structure of the inside surface of a head. Fig. .4. represents acircular plate. a Fig. 5 illustrates a vertical section of thestructures provided for supplying a fuel medium. Fig. 6 show-s a piston-Fig. 7 illustrates the novel features in the structure of the casing.

In Fig. 8 the specially constructed body of other and are spaced toformsuitable troughs. I

The parts L, L and Ii" are similarly formed and applied to the samepurpose. The parts Z, Z and Z" are constructed alike and applied to asimilar use. So a description ofa unit of each set should :be sufitcient. The peripheral face ofl is cylindri-' cally convex and. its sidessuitably concave The curvature of the concave sides is determlned by themovements provided for pivotally mounted pistons as illustrated in Fig.1." The peripheral face of Z, Z and Z" is provided with a recess J,approximately as shown. The part L is formed to suitably abut a pistonand to provide suitable spaces for the troughs N and n. It is providedwlth a channel for the pivot rib of a piston. The length of the channeldetermines the width of the piston and the space between Z and Z over Ldetermines the length ofthe body of the piston. The length of the bodyof the rotor determines the length of the casing.

The piston I, Fig. 6, represents one of set. Each piston comprises anarcuate body and a blade suitably arching across the line of the body.The rib r is provided to receive a pivot pin and it is positioned tosecure the required leverage for the desired throw. A suitable rib isalso provided for the pins u and u, positioned as shown one exactlyopposite the other and the rollers o and 11 mounted thereon. Theperipheral .face of the rollers in the direction of the end of the bladelies in a right line across the end'of the blade and the peripheral faceof the rollers corresponding to the face of the piston lies .in'a rightline across the face of the piston. The end of the piston carrying thepins iscylindrically convex.

The circular plate I Fig. 4, illustrates one of a pair. Each plate isprovided with a suitable shaft opening and the openings,

gqq and the curved slots Q,Q-Q. Setting a piston I, Fig. 6, on the body0, Fig. 8, the rib 1' resting in the channel of L and the blade I) inthe trough N, the end of the piston carrying the pins Will be adapted tovibrate in the trough n, contacting with the concave side of Z. Theblade I) willcontact with the concave side of Z" and the face of thepiston will lie in the same plane as the cylindrically convex face of Zand Z". Attaching a plate P to one end of 0, so that the respectiveshaft openings will be in line and so that the opening 9 will be in linewith the opening in r, the curvedslot Q will be posit-ione'd 'to receivea pin u. Similarly attacking another plate, meeting the require ments ofa pair to the other end of O, and inserting a'suitable pivot pin in theopenings'provided for that purpose, the piston is pivotally mounted. Thepivot pin is rigidly anchored in the plates. Theformation Patented Nov.23, 1915.

a for attaching the heads KK are plainly.

of the body 0 and the structure of the plates PP provide for the similarmounting of the pistons I'and I", Fig. 1, disregarding the sectionshown.

In the casing ABCD, Fig. 7, the curvature of the arch 5-4 is equal tothat of the cylindrical convex face of Z, Fig. 8. The extent of the arch54: is determined by the requirements'of the face joint which the part Bforms with the rotor, Fig. 1. The curvature of the arch 47 is equal tothat of 5-4. The same is also true of the arch 56. The plane ofcurvature of the part C is determined by the throw provided for a pistonas illustrated with the piston I, Fig. 1. To locate the point from whichthe ar'ch+l7 is described, use the throw provided for a piston as aradius and describe a circle around the center for the arch 54 and thepoint will lie in the circlein the direction of C. The radius of 54 andl7 being equahthe point can be accuratelylocated. The extremity of C isdetermined by a line passing through the centersfor 51 and 47. For thepurpose of symmetry the part A issimilarly formed. The pistons inclosing do not contact with the side of the casing as in opening. The

part D can be described as a longitudinal segment of a hollow cylinder.The parts B and D are concentric. The radius of D is found by adding thethrow provided for a piston to the radius of B. The manner of attachingD to AB--C is fully represented. The plane of curvature of C willcoincide with that of D at the point of the flange joint. The radius ofG will approximate that of D for a short space before the point of theflange joint is reached. The same is also true of the part A. Theflanges illustrated. An inlet port E for the admission of a fuel mediumis shown in B; and an inlet port F for the admission of a non-explosivemedium and an igniting device G are provided in C, approximately asshown. Suitable provisions will be made for supplying the inlet port Fand means provided for properly timiplg the igniting device G. Anexhaust port is shown in D, suitable provisions will be made for thedischarge.

F ig.- 5 illustrates the provisions made for supplying the inletport Ewith a fuel medium. Referring to Fig. 5, W is designed tosupply'atmospheric air. It will be provided with a-suitable valve.- Apipe Y, in section, supplies W with compressed air. It will be providedwith a valve suitable for that pur-' pose. The pipe X, also representedin section, is provided to supply a fuel medium; it is arrangedpractically as shown, extend-. ing through the side of W. thencedownward centrally to the inside of W, terminating approximately asrepresented. The end of X within the barrel isprovided with the plug 2.y is a hollow stem extending through a suitable opening in 2. Zrepresents a plate, slightly dished, as shown; it is suitably attachedto y, closing that end of the stem. A spiral spring w, supported on 2,is attached to y, approximately as shown. The

' stem g is provided with. a plurality of vents near the plate Z. a;identifies one of these vents. The diameter of Z is slightly less thanthe inside diameter of W. The movements provided for the stem ;2 areintended to carry the plate Z just outside of the barrel W.

- A head K, one of a pair, is represented in Fig. 3. The explanationgiven for constructing the casing is applicable to the heads. The shaftopening M can not be described as eccentric, as three centers arerequired to determine the contour of K. The position of the shaftopening is determined by the requirements of the face joint, which therotor forms with the part B, Fig. 1.

R- is a circular recess, concentric with the shaft opening. The radiusof R is equal to that of P, Fig. 4. A groove, TST S, forming a trackwhich meets the requirements of a cam, is provided in the face of eachcircular recess. These cam-grooves are engaged by the rollers o and 'v'and are proportioned so as to maintain the pistons I in contact with theinner walls of they casing, except while the rollers thereof traversethe part S.

Fig. 1 shows a cross section through the middle of an engine constructedalong the lines described. This figure illustrates the combinationswhich the rotor forms with the casing to provide the chamber C. Themanner in which the pistons are intended to operate in the chamber isplainly indicated and the movements and ositions provided for thepistons, I-Ii as the rollers thereof traverse the track, TS-T-S, aregraphically shown.

Referring to Fig. 1, compressed air is supplied through the inlet port Fto start the rotor. But continuous operation by the admission of anonexplosive medium through the inlet port F is practical. That part ofthe chamber C, at the rear of the piston'I, is approximately air tight;and compressed air admitted through the inlet port F will strike theblade of I, the impulse starting the rotor. The supply of air through Fbeing continuous, until cut out, the piston I is carried over theexhaust H. This action carries the piston I into position to receive asimilar impulse through F, inn mediately before I passes H. The actionof the piston I carries the piston I into position to be similarlyactuated; thus proexcept those provided by the recesses,

JJJ", hence there will be no discharge through the inlet port E, unlessa recess is in reglster and sufficiently advanced to form acommunication between E and the chamber C. Having started the rotor asexplained, the inlet port F can be closed. When the inlet port F isclosed, an approximate vacuum is formed in that portion of the chamber Cin the rear of each opening piston. Opening the valve in the pipe X andsupplying air, either atmospheric or compressed, to the barrel W, andsupposing the recess J to be sufficiently advanced to form acommunication between' the inlet port E and the chamber C at the rear ofthe opening piston I, the air supplied tothe barrel W will carry theplate Z downward, unhousing the vents ale-a2 which discharge the fuelmedium, which mixing with the air is carried through the inlet port Eand the recess J into the chamber C, at the rear of the piston I, where,as soon as the communication, formed by the recess J between the inletport E and the chamber C, is broken by i the action of the revolvingrotor, the charge is exploded by the igniting device G. The impulse ofthe explosion drives the piston I over the exhaust H. This actioncarries the recess J into position to form a communication between theinlet port E and the chamber C, rearward of'the opening piston I, andthat part of the chamber C, rearward of the piston I, is charged and thecharge exploded as explained with the recess J and the piston I.Following the piston I over the exhaust II, it will be'maintained in amaximum open position while its rollers traverse the part T, the bladeend being held in contact with the inside walls of the casing until therollers enter the part S;

as soon as the rollers enter S the blade end is swung clear of theinside wall of the casing, the piston being gradually closed as itsrollers traverse the part S. When the rollers pass out of S into T, thebody of the piston will then lie in the same plane as the convex face ofZ" and Z. This position will be maintained while the rollers traversethe part T, thus positioning the piston so that the face thereof will beheld in contact with the inside wall of B. When the rollers'pass out ofT into S, the piston is gradually opened and positioned to be actuatedas before explained. Following the piston I, Fig. 1, through'a completecycle of the rotor, it will remain closed until its rollers enter thepart S of the respective tracks, when it will be gradually opened, whiletraversing the part S. There will be no pivotal change of position whilethe rollers traverse the part T of the respective tracks. That part .ofthe chamber C at the rear of the piston will be approximately air tightuntil the exton will contact with the face of D and the blade b willcontact with the heads K K, while the rollers traverse the part T;- Whenthe rollers enter the part S of the respective tracks the piston isgradually closed. The blade end of the piston will not contact with theface of either D or A after the rollers enter S. The contour of S closesthe piston, and the face of I will then lie in .the same plane as thatof "Z and Z". This position will be maintained while the rollerstraverse the part T, thus providing for the face joint, which the rotorforms with the haust is reached. The blade end of the pistests may showthat such a track in one head will meet every requirement, furthersimplifying construction Without altering the manner of operation.

From the foregoing description of my invention and the explanation ofthe drawing illustrating its mechanism, I-desire to claim and protect byLetters Patent, as follows 1. A casing comprising a, three centered archand a longitudinal segment of aliollow cylindersuitably attached one totlie'other, the central arch of the said three centered arch and thesaid segment being oppositely disposed and concentric, parallel headsclosing the casing, each head having a suitable shaft opening, theinside surface of each head having a circular recess concentric with theshaft opening, the face of each circular recess having a cam trackcomprehending two segments that are unequal in length, oppositelydisposed and concentric and two segments that are similarly proportionedand disposed so asto provide a change in longitudinal segment having anoutlet port suitably provided therein.

2. A rotor comprising a body having a plurality of partsextendinglongitudinally on the exterior thereof, the said parts constitutingsets, the units of the said sets being 'formed to alternate one with theother and spaced to form suitable troughs, the peripheral face of eachunit of one set being cylindrically convex and concentric and the sidesthereof suitably concave, the peripheral face of each unit of the saidset having a suitable recess provided therein, each unit of another setbeing adapted to suitably abut a pivotally mounted piston, the said bodyof the rotor having a circular plate attached to each end thereof, theattached plates forming a pair, each plate having a plurality ofsuitable curved slots, the said body having a set of'pistons pivotallymounted between the said plates, each of the said pistons comprising anarcuate body and a blade suitably arching across the line of the body,the said body of each of the said pistons having a pin suitablypositioned in each side thereof, the said pin being adapted to vibratein a suitably positioned curved slot in the said plate contiguousthereto, a roller mounted on the said pin external to the said plate,the said body of the roto and the said plates having a suitable openingfor a supporting shaft.

3. In a rotary engine the combination ofv a casing comprising a. threecentered arch and a longitudinal segment of a hollow cylinder suitablyattached one to the other, the central arch of the said three centeredarch and the said segment being. oppositely disposed and concentric,parallel heads closing the casing, each head having a suitable shaftopening, the inside. surface of each head having a circular recessconcentric with the shaft-opening, the face of each circular recesshaving a' cam track comprehending two segments that are unequal inlength, oppositely disposed and concentric and two segments that aresimilarly proportioned and. disposed so as to provide a change in thedirection of the said track between the oppositely disposed segmentsthereof, a rotor comprising a body having a circular plate provided witha plurality-of suitable curved slots-attachedto' each end thereof and aset of pistons p'rvotally II1\ nted between the said plates, the saidbody being suitably adapted to the vibratory movements of the saidpistons, each of the said pistons comprising an areuate body and a bladesuitably arching across the line of the body, the said arcuate bodyhaving a pin suitably Dositioned in each side thereof, thesaid pin beingadapted to vibrate in a suitably positioned curved slot in the saidplate contiguous thereto, a roller mounted on the said pin external tothe said plate, a shaft extending through the said heads and adapted torotate therein, the said rotor rigidly mounted thereon revolubly withinthe said casing, suitably contacting with the central arch thereof, thesaid circular plate forming a face joint combination with the saidcircular recess in the head of the casing contiguous thereto, the saidpin projecting into the groove of the said track in the head of thecasing contiguous thereto, the roller thereof being adapted to traveltherein, the said combinations forming a chamber within the said casing,each lateral arch of the said three centered arch forming an abutmentthereof, the said mechanism suitably positioning each of the saidpistons on the pivot pin ,thereof and adapting each of the said pistonsto regularly operate in the said chamber.

4, In a rotary engine, a casing comprising a three centered arch and alongitudinal segment of a hollow cylinder suitably attached one to theother, the central arch of the said three centered arch and the saidsegment being oppositely disposed and concentric, parallel heads closingthe casing, each head having a suitable shaft opening, the insidesurface of each head having a circular recess concentric with the shaftopening, the face of each circular recess having a cam-track suitably:provided therein, the said track comprehending two segments that areunequal in length, oppositely disposed and concentric and two segmentsthat are similarly proportioned and disposed so as to provide a changein the direction of the said track between the oppositelv disposedsegments thereof, the lateral arch of the said three centered arch, inthe direction of rotation, having a suitably positioned inlet port forthe admission of an expansive medium, means of supplying and controllingthe admission of the same, a rotor comprising a body having a circularplate provided with a plurality of suitable curved slots attached toeach end thereof and a set of pistons pivotally mounted between the saidplates, the said body being suitably adapted to the vibratory' movementsof the said pistons, each of the said pistons having an arcuate body anda blade suitably arching across the line of the body, the arcuate bodyof each of the said pistons having a pin suitably positioned in each,side thereof, the said pin being adapted to vibrate in a curved slotsuitably provided in the said plate contiguous thereto, a roller mountedon the said pin external to the said plate, a shaft extending throughthe said heads and adapted to rotate therein, the said rotor rigidlvmounted thereon revoluble withinthe said casing, the said rotor suitablycontacting with the central arch thereof, the said circular plateforming a face oint with the said recess in the head of the casingcontiguous thereto, the said pin projecting into the groove of the saidtrack in the head of the casing adjacent thereto, the roller thereofbeingiadapted to travel therein, the said combinations forming a chamberwithin the said casing, each lateral arch of the said three centeredarch forming an abutment thereof, the said mechanism suitablypositioning each of the said pistons on the pivot pin thereof andadapting each of the said pistons to regularly operate in the saidchamber, the blade thereof receiving the impulse of an expansive mediumsupplied through the said inlet port, the said casing having an exhaustport suitably provided therein. 1

5. In a rotary engine, a casing comprising a three centered arch and alongitudinal segment of a hollow cylinder suitably attached one to theother, the central arch of the said three centered arch and the saidsegment being oppositely disposed and concentric, parallel heads closingthe casing, each head having a suitable shaft opening, the inside surface of each head having a circular recess concentric with the shaftopening, the face of each circular recess having a cam-track suitablyprovided therein, the said track comprehending two segments that are,unequal in length, oppositely disposed and concentric and two segmentsthat are similarly proportioned and disposed so as to provide a changein the direction of the said track between the oppositely disposedsegments thereof, the central arch of the said three centered archhaving an inlet port for the admission of a fuel medium, means ofsupplying and regulating the admission of the same, the lateral arch inthe direction of rotation, of the said three centered arch, having aninlet port for the admission of an expansive medium, means of supplyingand controlling the admission of the same. a rotor comprising a bodyhaving a plurality of parts extending longitudinally on the exteriorthereof, the said parts constituting sets, the units thereof alternatingone with the other and spaced to form suitable troughs, the said bodyhaving a circular plate provided with a plurality of suitable curvedslots attached to each end thereof and a set of pistons pivotallymounted between the said plates, the units of the said sets beingsuitably adapted to the vibratory movements of the said pistons, theperipheral face of each unit of one set having a suitable recessprovided therein, the said recess being referable to the piston adjacentthereto, each of the said pistons comprising an arcuate body and a bladesuitably arching across the line of the body, the said arcuate bodyhaving a pin suitably positioned in each side thereof and adapted tovibrate in a curved slot suitably provided in the said plate contiguousthereto, a roller mounted on the said pin external to the said plate, ashaft extending through the said heads and adapted to rotate therein,the said rotor rigidly mounted thereon revoluble within the said casing,the said rotor suitably contacting with the said central arch thereof,the said plate forming a face joint with the said circular recess in thehead of the casing contiguous thereto, the said pin projecting into thegroove of the said track in the head of the casing adjacent thereto, theroller thereof being adapted to travel therein, the said combinationsforming a chamber within the said casing, each lateral arch of the saidthree centered arch forming an abutment thereof, the said mechanismsuitably positioning each of the said pistons on the pivot pin thereofand adapting each of the said pistons to regularly operate in the saidchamber, the blade thereof receiving the impulse of an expansive medium,the said recess in the peripheral face of each of the said units beingadapted to regularly register with the said inlet port for the admissionof a fuel medium and form a communication between the said inlet portand the said chamber, the

said mechanism providing for the regular charging of the said chamber,rearward of the blade of the piston adjacent to the recess forming thesaid communication, the said lateral arch in the direction of rotationhaving an igniting device suitably provided therein and adapted toregularly explode the charge of fuel medium supplied to the saidchamber. the said casing having an exhaust port suitably positionedtherein.

JOHB LLLSWORTH SMl'l'i l \Vitnessed by C. C. SMITH, A. \V. Amos.

